Healey Foundation Primary School in Rochdale, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 12-13, 2019. The school is characterized by a positive learning environment where pupils enjoy attending due to engaging teaching methods. The leadership team prioritizes the personal development of students, ensuring they feel safe and valued. Pupils express that they are encouraged to persevere and not give up, fostering a supportive community that includes those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The staff maintain high expectations for all students, promoting hard work and good behavior. Students are described as polite and well-mannered, with a low incidence of bullying, which is addressed promptly when it occurs. Lunchtimes are calm and well-supervised, allowing students to socialize and play happily. Older pupils take on responsibilities, such as mentoring younger students, which contributes to their development as caring individuals. The school offers various extracurricular activities and trips that enhance pupils' experiences, and parents generally express satisfaction with the school.
The curriculum is well-structured, with clear objectives for each year group. Teachers receive training to effectively deliver the curriculum, and learning is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils. Disruptions in lessons are infrequent, and students, including those with additional needs, achieve commendable results. Recent changes in the teaching of mathematics have positively impacted early mathematical knowledge, although some pupils still find it challenging to articulate their problem-solving strategies, which can hinder their ability to tackle more complex tasks.
Pupils excel in subjects beyond the core areas of reading, writing, and mathematics, as the curriculum builds on prior knowledge. For instance, Year 6 students can connect their geography learning from Year 5 to their current studies. Leaders are working to ensure that teachers assess what pupils know and remember across all subjects, not just in mathematics and geography.
Reading is a significant focus at Healey Foundation Primary School, with a strong emphasis on phonics from the start of a child's education. The school provides resources for parents to support their children's reading at home, resulting in most pupils meeting the expected standards in phonics assessments. Students demonstrate accuracy and fluency in reading, with many developing a love for literature and discussing their favorite authors enthusiastically.
The school also offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities that enhance pupils' personal development, including sports and activities in the school's forest area. The governing body plays an active role in supporting the school, holding leaders accountable for maintaining high educational standards for all pupils.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils and their families, ensuring that all safeguarding records are meticulously maintained. Pupils receive education on safety in various contexts, including internet use, and parents are provided with resources to help keep their children safe.
To further improve, the school needs to enhance the assessment practices in subjects beyond mathematics and ensure that pupils can articulate their mathematical strategies effectively. Overall, Healey Foundation Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment for its students.
